Theholiest sites inIslam are located in theMiddle East.[2] While the significance of most places typically varies depending on theIslamic sect, there is a consensus across all mainstream branches of the religion that affirms three cities as having the highest degree of holiness, in descending order:Mecca,Medina, andJerusalem. Mecca'sAl-Masjid al-Haram (including theKaaba),Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, and Jerusalem'sAl-Aqsa Mosque[3][4][5] are all revered byMuslims as sites of great importance.[1][6][7][8][9]
Within the Levant, both theUmayyad Mosque in the city ofDamascus and theIbrahimi Mosque in the city ofHebron have held interchangeable significance as the fourth and fifth-holiest Islamic sites for Sunni Muslims.[10]
After the consensus on the first three sites as well as further sites associated with thefamily of Muhammad, there is a divergence betweenSunni Muslims andShia Muslims on the designation of additional holy sites. For Sunnis, sites associated with theRashidun, otherCompanions of Muhammad, andBiblical prophets hold a high level of significance (seeholiest sites in Sunni Islam). For Shias, sites associated with theImamah hold a high level of significance (seeholiest sites in Shia Islam).[11] As part of theHajj, the majority of Muslims also visit the sites ofMina,Mount Arafat, andMuzdalifah, in addition to the Kaaba.[12]
Hejaz is the region in theArabian Peninsula where Mecca and Medina are located. It is where theIslamic prophetMuhammad was born and raised.[13]
The two holy cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, are traditionally known as theḤaramayn, which is the dual form ofḥaram, thus meaning "The Two Sanctuaries".[14] They should not be confused with Jerusalem and Hebron, which were also calledHaramain during theMamluk period.[14] Another appellation of the Two Noble Sanctuaries isḤaramayn Ṭayyibayn.
Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam, as it is home to Islam's holiest siteKaaba inAl-Masjid Al-Ḥaram (The SacredMosque).[1][7] Only Muslims are allowed to enter this place.[15]
TheKaaba orMasjid al-Haram inMecca, is the most sacred holy place of Islam and aQibla of the Muslims, containsal-Bayt ul-Ma'mur spiritually above the Kaaba, contains theMaqam Ibrahim,Hateem, and theAl-Hajar-ul-Aswad which belonged inJannah toAdam and Eve (Adam and Hawa). According to the Islamic tradition it was first built by the first prophetAdam, afterNoah's Flood theflood of the prophetNūḥ (Noah), it was then rebuilt byAbraham (ʾIbrāhīm) and his sonIshmael (Ismāʿīl), it has been rebuilt several times.
The area of Mecca, which includesMount Arafah,[16]Mina andMuzdalifah, is important for theḤajj ('Pilgrimage'). As one of theFive Pillars of Islam,[17] every adultMuslim who is capable must perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime.[18] Hajj is one of the largest annual Muslim gatherings in the world, second only topilgrimages to the mosques ofHusayn ibn Ali andhis half-brother Abbas inKarbala,Iraq, with attendance reaching three million in 2012.[19]
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is located in Medina, making the city the second-holiest site in Islam, after Mecca. Medina is the final place-of-residence ofMuhammad, and where hisqabr (grave) is located.[1] In addition to the Prophet's Mosque, the city has the mosques ofQubāʾ[20] andAl-Qiblatayn ("The TwoQiblahs").[21]
Masjid an-Nabawi orThe Prophet's Mosque inMedina, contains the grave ofMuhammad. The two companionsAbu Bakr andUmar are also buried with Muhammad, the grave ofUthman in located inal-Baqi' cemetery located to the southeast of the Prophet's Mosque, while the grave ofAli is inNajaf. The grave ofAl-Hasan is also in Al-Baqi', whileAl-Husayn is buried in Karbala.
Ash-Shaam[3] or theLevant[22] is a historical region that includes the cities of Jerusalem and Damascus.[3][23][24]
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Jerusalem'sTemple Mount, calledMasjid al-Aqṣā, was the firstqibla of the Muslims before the Kaaba. According to tradition, Muhammad on the occasion ofIsra' and Mi'raj led all the prophets and angels at the site, the site of the mosque built bySulaymān, son of Dāwūd and king of theIsraelites.
Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam. The compound is held in esteem by the entire Muslim community, due to its history as a place of worship by many prophets such asIbrahim (Abraham),[7]Dawud (David),Sulayman (Solomon),Ilyas (Elijah) andIsa (Jesus). The mosque has the capacity to accommodate in the region of 400,000 worshippers.[4] According to Islamic tradition, the Temple Mount served as the firstqiblah (direction of prayer) for Muhammad and hisUmmah, before the Kaaba in Mecca. Muslims believe that Muhammad was taken fromMasjid al-Haram in Mecca, to visit Masjid al-Aqsa, where he led the prayer among the prophets, and was then taken to the heavens from theFoundation Stone[25] (today part of theDome of the Rock) in asingle night in the year 620.[5]
The Qur'an mentions the Al-Aqsa Mosque only once in verse 1 of chapter no. 17[26] (SurahAl-Isra'),[27] as "the Farthest Mosque". Islamic scholars generally agree that this description refers to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Umayyad Mosque inDamascus is often considered the fourth holiest site in Islam.[10][28] The head ofJohn the Baptist, revered in Islam as the prophetYahya, is believed to be in a shrine inside the mosque, which also houses one of only four authorized original copies of the Quran. The Umayyad Mosque is also the place where Muslims believe the prophetIsa (Jesus) will return at the end of times, atop the "Minaret of Isa" of the mosque, during the time of a Fajr prayer. It is believed that prayers in the Umayyad mosque are considered to be equal to those offered in Jerusalem.[29]
The mosque also holds special importance to Shia Muslims since it contains shrines commemorating Husayn ibn Ali and theAhl al-Bayt, made to walk there fromIraq, after the Battle of Karbala.[30] Furthermore, it was the place where they were imprisoned for 60 days.[31]
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In Islamic belief,Hebron was whereIbrahim (Abraham) settled. Within the city lies theSanctuary of Abraham, the traditional burial site of the biblical Patriarchs and Matriarchs, and the Ibrahimi Mosque, built on top of the tomb to honor Abraham, is also often considered to be the fourth holiest in Islam.[32][33][34] Muslims believe that Muhammad visited Hebron on hisnocturnal journey fromMecca to Jerusalem to stop by the tomb and pay his respects.[32] In the mosque in a small niche there is a left footprint, believed to be from Muhammad.[35][36]
TheSinai Peninsula is associated with the prophetsHarun (Aaron) andMusa (Moses).[37] In particular, numerous references toMount Sinai exist in the Quran,[38][39] where it is calledṬūr Saināʾ,[40]Ṭūr Sīnīn,[41] andaṭ-Ṭūr[42][43] andal-Jabal (both meaning "the Mount").[44] As for the adjacentWād Ṭuwā (Valley of Tuwa), it is considered as beingmuqaddas[45][46] (sacred),[47][48] and a part of it is calledAl-Buqʿah Al-Mubārakah ("The Blessed Place").[43]
InSunni Islam, all sites which have been mentioned in the Hadith are holy to Sunni Muslims. TheKaaba is the holiest site, followed by the al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque), al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and other sites mentioned in the Hadith, as well Umayyad Mosque, Ibrahimi Mosque. Various other sites and mosques across the Islamic world are claimed to be fourth holiest site in Islam or among the holiest:
Similar to Sunni Islam and other sects, the Holiest sites in Shia Islam are Mecca, followed by Medina and then Al Aqsa.[67] After these sites, most importance is put upon the following sites according to Shia:
Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, Iraq, is the holiest site for Shia Muslims after the Holy Sites in Mecca and Medina. It holds the tomb of the first Shia Imam, Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was also the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. According to Shia belief, the tomb also contains the remains of the prophets Adam and Noah.[68]
The shrine's significance in Shia Islam is profound. Imam Ali is revered by all Muslims but by Shia in particular as a paragon of justice, knowledge, and piety. His burial site has thus become a symbol of Shia identity and faith. Every year, the shrine is visited by millions of pilgrims, with numbers peaking during the annual Arbaeen event, where estimates suggest over 20 million visitors.[69]
The Imam Ali Mosque has a rich history that dates back to the 7th century. Ali was buried in Najaf following his assassination in 661 AD. However, the location of his grave remained a closely guarded secret for many years due to political tensions. It wasn't until the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid reportedly discovered the grave during a hunting expedition in the 8th century that a shrine was built at the site.[70]
Over the centuries, the shrine has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. The Buyid dynasty, in the 10th century, made significant contributions by building a large dome over the grave and adding other structures.[71] The Safavid dynasty in the 16th century also played a crucial role in further developing the site, adding ornate decorations, and expanding the mosque complex.[72]
The Imam Ali Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. The shrine is distinguished by its golden dome and minarets, which are covered with approximately 7,777 tiles of gold. The complex also includes courtyards, prayer halls, and a museum. The central hall, where the tomb is located, is adorned with intricate mirror work, mosaics, and calligraphy.[73]
The mosque features a large courtyard, known as the Sahan, which is surrounded by arched colonnades. The main entrance, Bab al-Qibla, is an impressive gateway that leads directly to the inner sanctum. The interior is lavishly decorated with Persian carpets, chandeliers, and intricate stucco work, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region.[74]
In addition to Imam Ali, the shrine complex is the final resting place for several notable figures. Among them are many revered Shia scholars, jurists, and theologians. Some of the prominent figures buried here include:
The shrine is also surrounded by a vast cemetery known as Wadi al-Salam, which is the largest cemetery in the world. It is believed that being buried near Imam Ali brings spiritual benefits, and many Shia Muslims request to be interred in this sacred ground.[78]
The Imam Ali Mosque is a focal point for Shia pilgrimage. Every year, millions of devotees travel to Najaf to pay their respects, particularly during significant religious occasions such as the anniversaries of Ali's birth and martyrdom, as well as the Arbaeen pilgrimage. The Arbaeen pilgrimage marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, Ali's son, who was martyred at the Battle of Karbala.[79]
During Arbaeen, the number of visitors can exceed 20 million, making it one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. Pilgrims often travel on foot from various parts of Iraq and even from neighboring countries to participate in the commemorations.[80]
In recent years, the Iraqi government and various Shia organizations have undertaken numerous projects to renovate and expand the shrine complex. These efforts aim to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and to preserve the historical and religious heritage of the site. Enhancements include improved infrastructure, expanded facilities for pilgrims, and increased security measures to protect visitors.[81]
The Imam Ali Mosque stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Shia resilience and devotion. Its history, architecture, and the immense reverence it commands make it a central pillar of Shia Islam and a testament to the enduring legacy of Imam Ali.
Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, contains the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali. The mosque stands on the site of the grave of Husayn ibn Ali, where he was martyred during theBattle of Karbala in 680.[82][83] Up to 20 million pilgrims visit the city for the anniversary of Hussein ibn Ali's death.[84] There are many Shia traditions which narrate the status of Karbala.
The Imam Husayn Shrine is a site of immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. It commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 AD. This event is one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in Islamic history, especially for Shia Muslims, as it symbolizes the struggle against tyranny and injustice.
The Battle of Karbala was a defining moment in Islamic history. Husayn ibn Ali, along with his family and companions, was martyred by the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid I. The battle took place on the plains of Karbala, and Husayn’s stand against Yazid’s oppressive regime has since been revered as a symbol of resistance and martyrdom in Shia Islam.[85]
Following the martyrdom, the site of Husayn's grave became a place of pilgrimage. The first structure over his grave was constructed by the order of Mukhtar al-Thaqafi in the late 7th century.[86] Throughout the centuries, the shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Major renovations were carried out by various Islamic dynasties, including the Abbasids, Buyids, and Safavids.[77]
The Imam Husayn Shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate decorations. The shrine complex includes a golden dome, several minarets, and expansive courtyards. The central dome is adorned with gold-plated tiles, and the interior features elaborate mirror work, mosaics, and calligraphy that depict verses from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams.[87]
The main courtyard, known as the Sahan, is surrounded by arched porticos and is a place where pilgrims gather to offer prayers and recite elegies. The shrine also includes a museum that houses artifacts related to Husayn ibn Ali and the Battle of Karbala, as well as a library with a vast collection of Islamic manuscripts and texts.[74]
The Imam Husayn Shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world for Shia Muslims. The annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Husayn ibn Ali, draws millions of visitors from around the world. During Arbaeen, pilgrims often walk long distances, sometimes covering hundreds of miles, to reach Karbala. This pilgrimage is considered an act of devotion and solidarity with the sacrifices made by Husayn and his companions.[79]
Besides Arbaeen, other significant occasions that draw large crowds to the shrine include Ashura, the day of Husayn's martyrdom, and the birthdays and martyrdom anniversaries of other Shia Imams. The shrine also plays a central role in the commemoration of various religious events and serves as a hub for religious learning and scholarship.[80]
In recent years, the shrine has undergone extensive renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. These developments include the construction of new facilities for pilgrims, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security measures. Efforts have also been made to preserve the historical and architectural heritage of the shrine while ensuring that it can meet the needs of contemporary visitors.[88]
The Imam Husayn Shrine continues to be a beacon of faith, drawing millions of devotees who seek solace, inspiration, and a deeper connection to their religious heritage. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Husayn ibn Ali and his unwavering stand for justice and righteousness.
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Al-Abbas Shrine inKarbala, Iraq, is the mausoleum ofAbbas ibn Ali, who was the half-brother ofHusayn ibn Ali and a key figure in theBattle of Karbala. Abbas is revered for his loyalty and bravery, and his shrine is one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims, attracting millions of pilgrims, especially during the annual commemoration ofArba'een.[89]
Abbas ibn Ali, also known as Abu al-Fadl, was a son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and a respected warrior known for his unwavering support of his brother Husayn. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Karbala, where he met his martyrdom while attempting to fetch water for the thirsty children and companions of Husayn. His sacrifice is deeply commemorated in Shia tradition, and his shrine stands as a symbol of devotion and courage.[90]
The construction of the shrine began in the early Islamic period, with significant contributions from various Islamic rulers. The earliest recorded construction was during the Abbasid Caliphate, with later renovations and expansions by the Safavid and Qajar dynasties.[85] The shrine has been rebuilt and restored multiple times due to natural disasters and political upheavals.
The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine is an architectural marvel, featuring a grand golden dome and two towering minarets, which are visible from miles away. The shrine complex includes several courtyards, prayer halls, and a museum. The central hall, where the tomb is located, is lavishly decorated with intricate tile work, mirror mosaics, and Arabic calligraphy depicting verses from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams.[91]
The shrine is surrounded by spacious courtyards that can accommodate the influx of pilgrims during major religious events. The main entrance, known as Bab al-Qibla, is an ornate gateway that leads to the inner sanctum. Inside, the walls are adorned with elaborate stucco and mirror work, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region.[74]
The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine holds immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. Abbas ibn Ali is revered not only for his familial connection to Husayn but also for his virtues of loyalty, courage, and self-sacrifice. His shrine is a focal point of pilgrimage, particularly during the annual Arbaeen commemoration, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Husayn ibn Ali.[79]
Pilgrims from around the world visit the shrine to pay their respects and seek intercession. The rituals performed at the shrine include recitations of elegies, lamentations, and the reenactment of the events of Karbala. These practices are deeply ingrained in Shia cultural and religious identity, symbolizing the eternal struggle against oppression and injustice.[92]
The shrine is a major destination for millions of pilgrims, especially during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. This event is one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world, where devotees often walk from Najaf to Karbala as a sign of their devotion and solidarity with Abbas ibn Ali and the other martyrs of Karbala. The pilgrimage is marked by a profound sense of community and spiritual renewal.[80]
Beyond its religious significance, the shrine has a considerable cultural impact. It serves as a center for religious education, charitable activities, and social services. The surrounding area of Karbala has developed significantly to support the influx of pilgrims, with numerous facilities, accommodations, and services dedicated to catering to the needs of visitors.[88]
In recent years, the shrine has seen extensive renovations and expansions. These efforts aim to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the site while accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims. Modern amenities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security measures have been introduced to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.[93]
The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine continues to be a beacon of faith and a testament to the enduring legacy of Abbas ibn Ali. It stands as a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and the eternal struggle for justice, drawing millions of devotees who seek solace and inspiration from his exemplary life.
Jannat al-Baqi inMedina, Saudi Arabia, is a cemetery that holds the graves of several family members and companions of theProphet Muhammad. Among them are the four Shia Imams:Hasan ibn Ali,Ali ibn Husayn,Muhammad al-Baqir, andJafar al-Sadiq. The cemetery is a revered site for Shia Muslims.[94]
Masjid al-Kufa, located in the Iraqi city ofKufa, is one of the oldest and holiest mosques in the world. It holds great significance for Shia Muslims due to its historical and religious importance.
Masjid al-Kufa is believed to have been built in the 7th century. It is one of the four major mosques that Shia Muslims consider to be significant, the others being theKaaba,Al-Aqsa Mosque, and theQuba Mosque. According to Shia tradition, the mosque was constructed byAdam, with subsequent renovations byNuh (Noah),Ibrahim (Abraham), andIsmail (Ishmael).
Masjid al-Kufa holds immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. It was the place whereAli ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam, and the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam, used to lead prayers and deliver sermons. The mosque is also the site where he was struck with a fatal blow by Ibn Muljam during the month of Ramadan in 661 CE.[95]
The mosque is a significant pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, especially during the anniversary of Imam Ali's death and other important Islamic events. Pilgrims visit the mosque to pay their respects, pray, and reflect on its historical and spiritual significance.[96][97]
Masjid Hanana inNajaf, Iraq, is believed to be a site where the head ofHusayn ibn Ali rested on its way toKufa after theBattle of Karbala. It is a site of reverence and pilgrimage for Shia Muslims.[98]
Mada'in, Iraq, is known for its historic significance and the tomb ofSalman the Persian, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and revered figure in Shia Islam. The site attracts many pilgrims annually.[99]
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Mazar Ghous in Baghdad, Iraq is one of the holiest sites in Sufi Islam. It is dedicated to the founder of Qadiryya Sufi order,Abdul Qadir Gilani. The complex was built near theBab al-Sheikh (ash-Sheikh Gate) inal-Rusafa.[107][108][109]
The Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam inMultan is considered the third most holiest site in Sufi Islam. It is themausoleum of Multan'sSufi saintSheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh. It is one of the most impressive shrines in the world.[110] The shrine attracts over 100,000 pilgrims to the annual Urs festival that commemorates his death.
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)Al 'Aqsa is the second oldest mosque in Islam after the Kaaba in Mecca and is third in holiness after the mosques in Mecca and Medina. It holds up to 400,000 worshippers at one time.
according to a famous hadith (saying)... 'our sixth imam, Imam Sadeg, says that we have five definitive holy places that we respect very much. The third belongs to our first imam of Shia, Ali, which is in Najaf.'
To theArabs, this same territory, which the Romans considered Arabian, formed part of what they calledBilad al-Sham, which was their own name forSyria. From the classical perspective however Syria, including Palestine, formed no more than the western fringes of what was reckoned to be Arabia between the first line of cities and the coast. Since there is no clear dividing line between what are called today theSyrian andArabian deserts, which actually form one stretch of arid tableland, the classical concept of what actually constituted Syria had more to its credit geographically than the vaguer Arab concept of Syria asBilad al-Sham. Under the Romans, there was actually a province of Syria, with its capital atAntioch, which carried the name of the territory. Otherwise, down the centuries, Syria like Arabia andMesopotamia was no more than a geographic expression. In Islamic times, the Arab geographers used the name arabicized asSuriyah, to denote one special region of Bilad al-Sham, which was the middle section of the valley of theOrontes river, in the vicinity of the towns ofHoms andHama. They also noted that it was an old name for the whole of Bilad al-Sham which had gone out of use. As a geographic expression, however, the name Syria survived in its original classical sense inByzantine and Western European usage, and also in theSyriac literature of some of theEastern Christian churches, from which it occasionally found its way intoChristian Arabic usage. It was only in the nineteenth century that the use of the name was revived in its modern Arabic form, frequently as Suriyya rather than the older Suriyah, to denote the whole of Bilad al-Sham: first of all in the Christian Arabic literature of the period, and under the influence ofWestern Europe. By the end of that century it had already replaced the name of Bilad al-Sham even in Muslim Arabic usage.
koh-e-toor.
Hebron is often presented as the fourth holy city of Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem
By 670, the Arabs had taken Tunisia, and by 675, they had completed construction of Kairouan, the city that would become the premier Arab base in North Africa. Kairouan was later to become the third holiest city in Islam in the medieval period, after Mecca and Medina, because of its importance as the centre of the Islamic faith in the Maghrib.
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)With eighty nine mosques it is the fourth holiest city in Sunni Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. A tradition holds that seven pilgrimages to Kairouan exempt the faithful from having to journey to Mecca
Harar, which is known as being the fourth Holy city of Islam (...)
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